Pediatrics
Pediatric Assessment & Weight-Based Care
Age-specific assessment approaches drawing on CDC child health data and NIH pediatric references.
Children are not small adults
The CDC tracks developmental milestones and injury patterns across childhood—airway anatomy, compensatory shock physiology, and communication ability all change with age.1 Vital sign normals vary; use length- or weight-based reference tools for dosing and equipment.
NIH consumer health resources highlight that children’s symptoms may be subtle—tachycardia and poor perfusion can precede hypotension.2
Assessment techniques
Observe before touching when safe—the pediatric assessment triangle (appearance, work of breathing, circulation) guides first impressions. Involve caregivers for history: immunizations, medications, allergies, and baseline behavior.
Family-centered communication reduces fear. Explain procedures in simple terms; allow a parent to hold when it does not delay critical care.
Equipment and dosing
Use pediatric-specific BVMs, airways, and energy doses for defibrillation. Broselow-style tapes or validated apps reduce calculation errors under stress.
Suspect non-accidental trauma when mechanism and injuries disagree—follow mandatory reporting laws in your state.
